Portsmouth's MP's give their verdicts on the new PM
There are mixed reactions from Labour and the Lib Dems
Portsmouth’s Labour MPs have hailed Andy Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street, but local Liberal Democrats demand proof of “real change”.
As Andy Burnham’s premiership begins, Portsmouth politicians have reacted with a mixture of excitement and scepticism.
The former Mayor of Greater Manchester delivered his first speech as Prime Minister today, promising what he described as a “circuit breaker” in British politics.
Promises to end rough sleeping, boost devolution and revive industry have won praise from Portsmouth’s Labour MPs, but Liberal Democrats remain doubtful Burnham can deliver.
When asked if Burnham represents the right direction for her party, Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said: “Absolutely!
“For too long, our politics hasn’t worked for places like Portsmouth. People are fed up. Now is the time for a more radical approach. In his speech outside Downing Street today, Andy said his first instruction as Prime Minister will be to end rough sleeping in our country.
“That shows who Andy’s for. He cares about making people’s lives easier and he has the determination and track record to deliver it.”
“This Labour government have made huge progress over the last two years. We’ve lifted half a million children out of poverty, overseen the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years, delivered the biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation, and implemented biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Britain is undoubtedly in a better place now than it was under 14 years of the Conservatives.
“But this country has been operating on the same political model for the past 40 years, and clearly people don’t feel it’s working for them. Andy offers something new, a different way of doing politics, built on collaboration and problem-solving. We’ve got to bring back hope to left-behind communities like Portsmouth.
“People in Portsmouth often tell me they don’t feel listened to. We’ve got to take power away from London and give it to the people who know their areas best. Andy has shown the benefits of devolution in Manchester and I am excited to see what it holds for Portsmouth.
“Similarly, Portsmouth knows only too well the impact of the decline of industry in Britain. I was delighted to see Andy commit to re-industrialising Britain today and I will be working with him to ensure this delivers jobs and investment in Portsmouth.”
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, also welcomed Labour’s new leader, saying he had set out a vision that would support “ordinary people”.
He said: “One where power is put back into the hands of local communities, where towns and cities have the tools to shape their own future, and where Labour once again becomes the party that gives people hope.
“He made it clear that this vision is for every part of the country, including here in Portsmouth and our region.
“That means giving communities greater control over services people rely on, backing councils to build the homes families need, supporting local businesses to grow, and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to succeed.
“I look forward to working with Andy Burnham to make this a reality for our city and the people of Portsmouth.”
However, Charlie Murphy, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Portsmouth South, said Burnham’s government must deliver “real change” on Portsmouth’s GP and dental crisis, sewage dumping in the sea and the cost of living.
He said: “People are tired of constant chaos in Westminster with Labour or the Conservatives. Andy Burnham needs to put a stop to it and focus on real change.
“Labour promised change, but it’s the same old chaos and we are now on our 7th Prime Minister in 10 years.
“Failure to deliver is why Labour did not win a single ward at the May elections in Portsmouth, making the city into a straight Lib Dem vs Reform contest.
“If Burnham wants to show real change, he should scrap Labour’s monster council plans, take Southern Water to task for dumping sewage in the sea, and cut waiting times for NHS GPs and dentists in our city.
“People in Portsmouth are sick of rising bills and public services getting worse. Burnham must be different.”